A Lifetime Event for Her, an Everyday Experience for Me

Olga Vechnaya's books are always immersive experiences that transport you to unique worlds. Her cycle, The Boys of Steel, which consists of four standalone novels, delves into the everyday lives of Russian special forces operatives. What's striking is how the author has thoroughly immersed herself in this subject matter, making it feel almost personal.

Title: The book Bольно не будет focuses on negotiator Yaroslav and Katya, a couple whose story is both captivating and relatable.

Where to buy: You can find it on Labyrinth, a popular platform for e-book enthusiasts. I've been a fan of LitNet in the past, but their user-friendly interface has become a thing of the past, and they've even banned some local authors, which is a shame.

About the book

He's a former major, now a special forces operative with a promising future ahead of him. In the present, he's young and reckless, according to his superiors, but he's got a good heart.

She got into trouble and then visited a boy in the hospital who saved her. He's the kind of guy who'll stop at nothing to protect those he cares about.

He's too bold for her, but she's drawn to him in every way. She wants to get to know him better, and he's intrigued by her as well.

The book's synopsis is concise and to the point. It's a story about a strong, rugged Russian soldier who'll do whatever it takes to protect his family and country. That's what draws me in - the kind of man who's unshakeable and unwavering, yet vulnerable enough to be relatable.

Olga Vechnaya has created a charismatic character in Yaroslav, a negotiator who's still learning the ropes but knows what it takes to have healthy relationships. The story is free from drama and angst, focusing on the genuine emotions and interactions between the characters.

Take a look at how Yaroslav talks about his work:

He meets Katya on one of his missions, and it's not a solo operation. Yaroslav works with a team, and you'll recognize some familiar faces from Olga's other books - Rom Demin and Leha 'Spider' are just a few.

Katya's initial reaction is pure panic:

I was hooked on my savior before I even realized how much I'd fall for him. This girl's got baggage - a fiancé and a wedding dress already bought. But then, one fateful event, and her personal hero puts himself in harm's way to keep her alive.

Iarik didn't expect her to show up at the hospital, let alone with such a fantasy-filled imagination. He's a bit of a hero, and she's drawn to him in every way.

Katya's a bit more reserved, but she's got feelings for him, and she's aware of the mutual attraction. The tension between them is palpable, even in the text!

They're perfect for the 'walking on the edge' phase of a relationship - when feelings are still raw and every breathless moment feels like a rush. Who hasn't experienced this? The chemistry between them is undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them to make it work.

Katya, however, isn't in a hurry. She's aware that the traumatic event might have altered her perception of her hero, and she's not sure if she's ready to take the leap.

She's still committed to her fiancé, and the love triangle starts to take shape. But what I loved was how the author handled the dialogue - even the secondary characters felt fleshed out, like when Yaroslav's brother visits and they have a heart-to-heart:

And when Yaroslav opens up to his brother about his feelings, I found myself getting emotional - it's a beautiful portrayal of vulnerability and trust.

The dialogue between the main characters is also spot on, especially when Yaroslav explains his motivations. It's a raw, honest moment that left me feeling like I needed a hug - for both the characters and myself.

I love how the author wove in personal touches, like Romka's big family with his supportive wife, Yan. They even included a scene where Yan's tears fell like rain during one of the crying women moments. I'm a sucker for these kinds of references from the author.

A bit of humor:

I guess that's enough screen shots) But the e-book has 220 pages, so there's plenty to explore!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Pain Won't Hurt". Why?

You can read this book independently of the others in the series. It's a self-contained story that doesn't rely on the other books.The characters here are spot on, building a healthy model of relationships. It's great to read about this, because most popular literature either romanticizes abuse or goes off the rails into some wild fantasy. And let's be honest, both can get pretty tiresome. But healthy, good relationships – ones that don't involve second or third roles, arguments, intrigue, and all that – are rarely written about. This book shows what it's like to live in harmony. Happiness loves silence and all that.The author doesn't overcomplicate the plot. They simply write about a situation without unnecessary tangents or diversions, keeping it as close to real life as possible.The portrayal of a real man is also a rare find in literature. Often, main characters are a mix of Sercan Bolat and Deadpool: wealthy, confident, with a healthy sense of humor, and women fawn all over them. Not exactly something I'd want to emulate in real life. I'd much rather be like Yaroslav, with his vulnerabilities and genuine strengths that make Katya's life so much better.The author's writing style is cozy and inviting. It's easy to get lost in the story. I finished the book in one weekend, but I'm a fast reader, so don't take that as a benchmark.In short, if you're into books like this, you're welcome to check out my page.

Other novels by Olga Vechnaya in the "Boys of Steel" series:

🌷 Pain Won't Hurt – about Demin and his Yan🌷 My Target - about Alexey "The Spider" and his Rita